Time Machine director bows out

With only 18 days left before the end of principal photography on The Time Machine, director Simon Wells - great-grandson of HG Wells, the author of the original story - has left the project.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Wells, who was making his live-action feature directorial debut, has apparently stepped down because of extreme exhaustion.

DreamWorks, who are making the film, which stars Guy Pearce, Jeremy Irons and popstar Samantha Mumba, said that Wells had been ordered by doctors to rest for a minimum of two weeks. Gore Verbinski (who directed DreamWorks' The Mexican) is joining the film to ensure it finishes on schedule. However, Wells is expected to take charge again once filming is completed.

Wells has previously directed a number of animated features including Prince Of Egypt and An American Tail: Fievel Goes West.

The Time Machine has been made into a film before, to great success. Rod Taylor starred in the 1960 version, which won an Oscar for its visual effects.